Miley Cyrus has played down reports of a new romance with model and aspiring country singer Justin Gaston, insisting he’s just “a friend”.

The 15-year-old star has previously dated Nick Jonas of The Jonas Brothers, and was recently linked to her Hannah Montana co-star Cody Linley. But Cyrus sent gossips into a spin at the weekend when she stepped out with Gaston – with the 20-year-old joining her family to attend church services in Pasadena, California on Sunday.

Gaston also attended Disney’s Concert for Hope later that night, where he watched Cyrus perform alongside The Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.

A source close to Cyrus – a Nashville, Tennessee native – says, “They’ve been spending a lot of time together while he’s in town.”

But the teenager’s representative has denied the rumors, insisting their relationship is purely platonic.

The spokesperson tells People.com, “(Gaston’s) a friend from Nashville.”

Gaston’s rep, Allen Osborne, adds: “He’s visiting Los Angeles for the week.”

The pair met earlier this year when Gaston was a contestant on Nashville Star, which was hosted by the singer/actress’ father, Billy Ray Cyrus.

Source

WENN